Spectacular new $400 million WA Museum Boola Bardip officially opens

Nov 21, 2020, 08:32 AM

The highly anticipated WA Museum Boola Bardip officially opened today with thousands of Western Australians getting their first taste of the incredible exhibitions, experiences and stories on display in the spectacular new building.

  • World-class $400 million new WA Museum Boola Bardip officially open today.
  • 50,000 people expected to visit during nine-day opening festival.
  • Free general admission for first 18 months.
  • More than 3300 jobs created during project period.

The opening ceremony was held this morning with Premier Mark McGowan and Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman opening the doors to the public for the first time.

They were accompanied by hundreds of lucky ticketholders who were randomly selected by public ballot, to be the first visitors through the doors.

About 7500 people will spend about two hours each in the museum today, enjoying the amazing new displays, looking for favorite objects, and learning more about WA's extraordinary people and places, and their place in the world.

Boola Bardip means 'many stories' in Whadjuk Noongar language. WA Museum Boola Bardip has been developed with a 'People First' approach, and its content and experiences have been informed by four Community Panels, the WA Museum Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the Whadjuk Content Working Group, and direct engagement with more than 54,000 people across WA.

As well as its Aboriginal cultural materials gallery Ngalang Koort Booja Wirn, the Museum features the stories and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout.

Designed and built by Managing Contractor Multiplex and international architectural consortium Hassell + OMA, WA Museum Boola Bardip integrates five renovated and revitalised heritage buildings with a spectacular new building, creating eight new permanent exhibition galleries, a 1000sqm special exhibition gallery, life-long learning studios, and retail, café and public spaces.

WA Museum Boola Bardip is a $400 million State Government infrastructure project that created 3300 jobs. It is among six national finalists for the 2020 Australian Construction Achievement Award, which showcases world-class solutions and excellence in construction projects. It won three awards at the WA Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards 2020, including Best Government Building over $100m; Best Historic Restoration or Renovation over $100m; and Best Public Use Building over $100m.

General admission to WA Museum Boola Bardip is free for everyone for the first 18 months, while admission for children under 15 years will always be free.